Cinnamon Rolls
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of homemade Cinnamon Rolls that will elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. Soft, fluffy dough is swirled with rich cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze for the perfect finishing touch. This delightful recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite.
Creating the perfect cinnamon roll is an art. From the fluffy dough to the sugary swirl and creamy glaze, every bite is a testament to homemade goodness.
The Perfect Weekend Treat
Cinnamon rolls are more than just a breakfast item; they are a perfect weekend treat that brings families together. The delightful smell of freshly baked rolls wafting through the home is enough to wake up even the heaviest of sleepers. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk, these rolls create a joyful atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection with loved ones.
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch feels like a rewarding experience. The soft, fluffy texture combined with the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar transforms any morning into a special occasion. It's a fun activity for families, offering an opportunity to bond over baking while teaching kids fundamental kitchen skills.
Flexibility in Flavor
One of the fantastic aspects of cinnamon roll recipes is their versatility. While this recipe focuses on the classic cinnamon and sugar filling, there are countless flavor combinations to explore. Consider adding nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice to give your rolls a unique twist.
For those who prefer a fruitier flavor, adding fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, or apples to the filling can elevate your cinnamon rolls to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to cater to a variety of taste preferences and dietary needs while still creating a delicious treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once you've baked a batch of these delightful cinnamon rolls, you might wonder about the best ways to store them. Proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness. Let the rolls cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them with plastic wrap. When stored correctly, they can stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the final rise or the baked rolls once cooled. To enjoy frozen rolls, simply reheat them in the oven at a low temperature or microwave them for a quick warm-up. Don’t forget to reapply a drizzle of glaze for that fresh-baked touch!
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Let Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread softened butter on top, and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly.
Roll and Cut
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. Let cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
Glaze the Rolls
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls!
Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Beyond the classic cinnamon roll, consider crafting a caramel-apple variation that incorporates pieces of fresh apples and a gooey caramel sauce. This version adds a delightful twist and enhances the sweetness of the rolls, making them even more appealing for those with a sweet tooth.
Another fun variation is the chocolate cinnamon roll. You can add chocolate chips to the filling or even make a chocolate glaze to drizzle on top. This twist combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon with the rich decadence of chocolate, creating a truly indulgent treat.
Cinnamon Roll Serving Suggestions
When serving your cinnamon rolls, presenting them in a visually appealing manner can enhance the experience. Placing them on a large platter garnished with fresh fruit or sprigs of mint not only adds a pop of color but also makes the rolls look more inviting. Pair them with sides of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Consider serving cinnamon rolls with a variety of toppings on the side, such as additional icing, whipped cream, or flavored syrups. This allows everyone to customize their rolls, creating a fun and interactive breakfast experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight before rolling it out.
→ What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
You can substitute with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
Cinnamon Rolls
Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of homemade Cinnamon Rolls that will elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. Soft, fluffy dough is swirled with rich cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze for the perfect finishing touch. This delightful recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread softened butter on top, and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. Let cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g